TANNINSTANNINS

Tannins: IntroductionTannins: Introduction

Tannins: pale yellow to light brown-red amorphous substances widely Tannins: pale yellow to light brown-red amorphous substances widely distributed in plants and used chiefly in tanning leather, dyeing distributed in plants and used chiefly in tanning leather, dyeing fabric, and making ink.fabric, and making ink.

Their solutions are acid and have an astringent taste.Their solutions are acid and have an astringent taste.

They are isolated from oak bark, sumac, and galls.They are isolated from oak bark, sumac, and galls.

Tannins give tea astringency, colour, and flavour. Tannins give tea astringency, colour, and flavour.

Tannins are used industrially to clarify wine and beer, reduce viscosity Tannins are used industrially to clarify wine and beer, reduce viscosity of oil-well drilling mud, and they have also had medical usesof oil-well drilling mud, and they have also had medical uses

Tannins are mainly found in the cell vacuoles or in the cuticle (here Tannins are mainly found in the cell vacuoles or in the cuticle (here cells don’t interfere with plant processes: only after death and cell cells don’t interfere with plant processes: only after death and cell breakdown do they become active in metabolic processes). breakdown do they become active in metabolic processes).

Tannins are phenolic glycosides.Tannins are phenolic glycosides.

TANNINSTANNINS Historically, the importance of tannin-containing drugs is Historically, the importance of tannin-containing drugs is

linked to their tanning properties (ability to transform linked to their tanning properties (ability to transform fresh hides into leather). fresh hides into leather).

Today, tanning is achieved with mineral compounds, but Today, tanning is achieved with mineral compounds, but for several millennia, it had required exclusively the used for several millennia, it had required exclusively the used of plant products. of plant products.

These included chestnut tree tannin (These included chestnut tree tannin (Castanea sativaCastanea sativa L.), oak tannin (L.), oak tannin (Quercus robarQuercus robar L) in Europe, but also, in L) in Europe, but also, in other parts of the world, tannins from Anacardiacea other parts of the world, tannins from Anacardiacea (Quebracho – (Quebracho – Schinopsis sppSchinopsis spp), sumacs (), sumacs (Rhus sppRhus spp), ), Legumes (acacias – Legumes (acacias – Acacia sppAcacia spp) or Combretaceae ) or Combretaceae (myrobalans – (myrobalans – Terminalia sppTerminalia spp). ).

Some of these tannins are still prized for leathers Some of these tannins are still prized for leathers designed for specific uses (fine leather products).designed for specific uses (fine leather products).

Tannins - TanningTannins - Tanning

The consequence of tanning: formation of bonds The consequence of tanning: formation of bonds between the collagen fibres of the hide (imparts between the collagen fibres of the hide (imparts resistance to water, heat and abrasionresistance to water, heat and abrasion.).)

This capability of tannins to combine with This capability of tannins to combine with macromolecules explains why they precipitate macromolecules explains why they precipitate cellulose, pectins and proteins; it also explains cellulose, pectins and proteins; it also explains their characteristic their characteristic astringencyastringency and tartness: by and tartness: by precipitating the glycoproteinsprecipitating the glycoproteins contained in contained in saliva, tannins make the latter lose its lubricating saliva, tannins make the latter lose its lubricating power. power.

The combination between tannins and macromolecules The combination between tannins and macromolecules is established by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen is established by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds between the phenolic groups of tannins and the bonds between the phenolic groups of tannins and the proteins or other polymers. proteins or other polymers.

Other types of linkages (irreversible) must also be Other types of linkages (irreversible) must also be involved to ensure the lasting stability of the combination involved to ensure the lasting stability of the combination between tannins and collagen structures. between tannins and collagen structures.

These include the covalent bonds established after These include the covalent bonds established after oxidation of the phenols to quinones. oxidation of the phenols to quinones.

The condition necessary for the formation of these The condition necessary for the formation of these linkages is the tannin’s molecular weight must fall within linkages is the tannin’s molecular weight must fall within a well defined range. If it is too high, the molecule a well defined range. If it is too high, the molecule cannot insert itself into the interfibrillar spaces of the cannot insert itself into the interfibrillar spaces of the macromolecule. If it is too low, the molecule can insert macromolecule. If it is too low, the molecule can insert itself but cannot form enough bonds to stabilize the itself but cannot form enough bonds to stabilize the combination.combination.

Morocco – Tanning PitsMorocco – Tanning Pits

Tannins - DefinitionTannins - Definition

“ “water-soluble phenolics of molecular water-soluble phenolics of molecular weight between 500 and 3 000, which, in weight between 500 and 3 000, which, in addition to displaying the classic reactions addition to displaying the classic reactions of phenols, can precipitate alkaloids, of phenols, can precipitate alkaloids, gelatine, and other proteins.”gelatine, and other proteins.”

A more recent definition of tannins: A more recent definition of tannins: ““Phenolic natural products that precipitate Phenolic natural products that precipitate proteins from their aqueous solutions”.proteins from their aqueous solutions”.

True Tannins Vs Pseudo-TanninsTrue Tannins Vs Pseudo-Tannins

True tannins:True tannins: Molecular Molecular weights of 1000-5000.weights of 1000-5000.

Pseudo-tannins:Pseudo-tannins: Gallic Gallic acid, catechins and acid, catechins and chlorogenic acid are chlorogenic acid are similar phenolic similar phenolic compounds: have a compounds: have a low molecular weight.low molecular weight.

Tannins: MicroscopyTannins: Microscopy

Classification of TanninsClassification of Tannins

Classification of TanninsClassification of Tannins

In higher plants, two groups of tannins are In higher plants, two groups of tannins are generally distinguished, which differ by their generally distinguished, which differ by their structure, as well as their biogenic origin – structure, as well as their biogenic origin – hydrolysablehydrolysable tannins and tannins and condensedcondensed tannins.tannins.

Hydrolysable TanninsHydrolysable Tannins: : EllagitanninsEllagitannins

GallotanninsGallotannins

Hydrolysable TanninsHydrolysable Tannins

Hydrolyzable tannins are hydrolyzed by Hydrolyzable tannins are hydrolyzed by weak acidsweak acids or weak or weak basesbases to produce to produce carbohydrate and phenolic acids.carbohydrate and phenolic acids.

Examples of gallotannins are the Examples of gallotannins are the gallicgallic acidacid esters of glucose in tannic acid, esters of glucose in tannic acid, (found in leaves and bark of many plant (found in leaves and bark of many plant species)species)

HydrolysableHydrolysable Tannins Tannins They may be They may be hydrolyzed by acidshydrolyzed by acids or or enzymesenzymes such as such as

tannasetannase, (products being sugar and phenolic acids). , (products being sugar and phenolic acids). Formed by several phenolic acids which are united by Formed by several phenolic acids which are united by

ester linkages to a central sugar (glucose) molecule.ester linkages to a central sugar (glucose) molecule.

Hydrolysable tannins are therefore Hydrolysable tannins are therefore esters of a sugar and esters of a sugar and phenolic acid moleculesphenolic acid molecules. .

The phenolic acid isThe phenolic acid is

in the case of in the case of gallotanninsgallotannins – – gallic acidgallic acid

in the case of in the case of ellagi-tanninsellagi-tannins – hexahydroxydiphenic acid ( – hexahydroxydiphenic acid (HHDPHHDP) ) and its and its oxidized derivativesoxidized derivatives (dehydrohexahydroxydiphenic acid). (dehydrohexahydroxydiphenic acid).

Ellagitannins are found in Herb Robert (Geranium species, Ellagitannins are found in Herb Robert (Geranium species, Meadowsweet and Oak bark).Meadowsweet and Oak bark).

Eg’s of Hydrolysable TanninsEg’s of Hydrolysable Tannins

Gallotannins:Gallotannins: rhubarb, cloves, red rose rhubarb, cloves, red rose petals, bearberry leaves, Chinese galls, petals, bearberry leaves, Chinese galls, Turkish galls, hamamelis, chestnut and Turkish galls, hamamelis, chestnut and maplemaple

EllagitanninsEllagitannins: pomegranate rind, : pomegranate rind, pomegranate bark, eucalyptus leaves, pomegranate bark, eucalyptus leaves, some Australian kinos, chestnut some Australian kinos, chestnut (Castanea spp), and oak bark.(Castanea spp), and oak bark.

GallotanninsGallotannins

GallotanninsGallotannins

Gallotannins are the simplest hydrolysable tannins, containing a polyphenolic and a polyol residue.

Polyol: alcohol with multiple hydroxyl groups.

Most of the gallotannins isolated from plants contain a polyol residue derived from D-glucose.

Some gallotannin structuresSome gallotannin structures

EllagitanninsEllagitanninsWith more than 500 natural products

characterized so far, ellagitannins are the largest group of known tannins.

Ellagitannins are formed from the gallotannins by the oxidative coupling of at least two galloyl units.

Condensed TanninsCondensed Tannins

Are Are polymerspolymers of 2 to 50 (or more) of 2 to 50 (or more) flavonoidflavonoid unitsunits that are joined by carbon- that are joined by carbon-carbon bonds, which are not susceptible to carbon bonds, which are not susceptible to being cleaved by hydrolysis.being cleaved by hydrolysis.

All hydrolyzable tannins and most All hydrolyzable tannins and most condensed tannins are water soluble - condensed tannins are water soluble - some some very largevery large condensed tannins are condensed tannins are insolubleinsoluble..

Condensed TanninsCondensed Tannins Condensed tannins are oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins

consisting of coupled flavan-3-ol (catechin) units.

(oligomeric or polymeric proanthocyanidins =condensed proanthocyanidins = condensed tannins).

Biosynthetically the condensed tannins are formed by the successive condensation of the single building blocks (up to more than 50 may be included in a single condensed tannin).

The coupling pattern of the catechin units in condensed tannins can vary considerably.

NOTE: Oligomeric: a polymer that consists of 2, 3, or 4 monomeres.

Polymer: Any of numerous natural and synthetic compounds of usually high molecular weight consisting of up to millions of repeated linked units, each a relatively light and simple molecule.

Condensed Condensed Tannins/ProanthrocyanidinsTannins/Proanthrocyanidins

They are not readily hydrolysed to simpler They are not readily hydrolysed to simpler molecules and they do not contain a sugar molecules and they do not contain a sugar moiety (unlike hydrolysable tannins).moiety (unlike hydrolysable tannins).

On treatment with On treatment with acidsacids or or enzymesenzymes, , condensed tannins are converted into condensed tannins are converted into redred insoluble compounds known as insoluble compounds known as phlobaphenesphlobaphenes. .

Condensed Condensed Tannins/ProanthrocyanidinsTannins/Proanthrocyanidins

PhlobaphenesPhlobaphenes give the give the characteristic red colourcharacteristic red colour to many drugs such as red to many drugs such as red cinchona barkcinchona bark, which , which contains these phlobatannins and their contains these phlobatannins and their decomposition products. decomposition products.

These tannins are therefore sometimes called These tannins are therefore sometimes called catechol tannins (as they yield catechol)catechol tannins (as they yield catechol). .

Like catechol itself, their (condensed tannin) Like catechol itself, their (condensed tannin) solutions turnsolutions turn greengreen withwith ferric chloride.ferric chloride.

Plants rich in Condensed TanninsPlants rich in Condensed Tannins

BarksBarks: cinnamon, wild cherry, cinchona, willow, : cinnamon, wild cherry, cinchona, willow, acacia (wattle, mimosa), oak bark, acacia (wattle, mimosa), oak bark, HamamelisHamamelis..

FlowersFlowers: Lime and Hawthorn: Lime and Hawthorn

SeedsSeeds: cocoa, guarana, kola : cocoa, guarana, kola

FruitsFruits: cranberries, grapes, hawthorn: cranberries, grapes, hawthorn

LeavesLeaves – Hamamelis, hawthorn, tea leaves – Hamamelis, hawthorn, tea leaves (especially green tea)(especially green tea)

Extracts and dried juices:Extracts and dried juices: catechu, acacia, East catechu, acacia, East Indian kino and eucalyptus kinoIndian kino and eucalyptus kino

Complex TanninsComplex Tannins

The structures of the complex tannins are built up from a gallotannin unit or an ellagitannin unit, and a catechin unit.

Fig: Acutissimin A, the usual representative of the complextannins.

Tannins - PropertiesTannins - Properties

Water-solubleWater-soluble

Also soluble in dilute alkali, alcohol, Also soluble in dilute alkali, alcohol, glycerol and acetoneglycerol and acetone

Slightly soluble in other organic solvents.Slightly soluble in other organic solvents.

Solutions precipitate heavy metals, Solutions precipitate heavy metals, alkaloids, glycosides and gelatin.alkaloids, glycosides and gelatin.

Tannins - PropertiesTannins - Properties

If a If a dilute ferric chloridedilute ferric chloride solution is added to an solution is added to an aqueous extract of aqueous extract of hamamelishamamelis leaves leaves (containing both types of tannins), a (containing both types of tannins), a blueblue colour colour is produced which then changes to is produced which then changes to orange-orange-greengreen as more ferric chloride is added. as more ferric chloride is added.

Free gallic acidFree gallic acid gives an gives an orangeorange colour with colour with potassium iodate.potassium iodate.

Tannin Properties: Hydrolysable or Tannin Properties: Hydrolysable or Condensed?Condensed?

With With ferric saltsferric salts, , gallo-tanninsgallo-tannins and and ellagi-tanninsellagi-tannins give give blue-blackblue-black precipitates.precipitates.

CondensedCondensed tannins give tannins give brown-greenbrown-green precipitates. precipitates.

Condensed tanninsCondensed tannins turn turn redred with with vanillinvanillin and and HCLHCL..

Gallo-tanninsGallo-tannins give a give a pinkpink colour with colour with potassium iodate.potassium iodate.

EllagitanninsEllagitannins react (are coloured) with react (are coloured) with nitrousnitrous acidacid in the presence in the presence of of acetic acidacetic acid. Colour reaction: . Colour reaction: pinkpink purplepurple blueblue..

TLCTLC is used to analyze extracts (visualized under UV light and with is used to analyze extracts (visualized under UV light and with the reagents mentioned above)the reagents mentioned above)

HPLCHPLC can also be used. can also be used.

Hamamelis leaf & barkHamamelis leaf & barkSome drugs (e.g. tea, Some drugs (e.g. tea,

Hamamelis leaves Hamamelis leaves and Hamamelis bark) and Hamamelis bark) contain both contain both hydrolysable and hydrolysable and condensed tannins.condensed tannins.

Pseudo-TanninsPseudo-Tannins

Pseudo-tannins are compounds of Pseudo-tannins are compounds of lower lower molecular weight than true tanninsmolecular weight than true tannins and they and they do do not respond to the goldbeater’s skin test.not respond to the goldbeater’s skin test.

Gallic acid:Gallic acid: rhubarb rhubarb Catechins:Catechins: catechu, acacia cutch, many catechu, acacia cutch, many

Australian kinos, cocoa, guarana and many Australian kinos, cocoa, guarana and many other drugs containing condensed tanninsother drugs containing condensed tannins

Chlorogenic acid:Chlorogenic acid: coffee (particularly unroasted) coffee (particularly unroasted) and nux Vormica (a small quantity only).and nux Vormica (a small quantity only).

Ipecacuanhic acidIpecacuanhic acid: ipecacuanha: ipecacuanha

Tannin FunctionTannin Function

Tannins are of wide Tannins are of wide occurrence in plants occurrence in plants and are usually found and are usually found in in greatest quantitygreatest quantity in in dead or dying cellsdead or dying cells. . They They exert an exert an inhibitory effect on inhibitory effect on many enzymes due to many enzymes due to protein precipitationprotein precipitation and, hence, may and, hence, may contribute a contribute a protective protective functionfunction in barks and in barks and heartwoods. heartwoods.

Tannin SourcesTannin Sources

Commercial tanninsCommercial tannins, as , as used in the leather used in the leather industry, are obtained industry, are obtained from * from * quebrancho, quebrancho, wattle, wattle, andand chestnut chestnut..

Pharmaceutical tanninPharmaceutical tannin is is prepared from prepared from oak gallsoak galls and yields glucose and and yields glucose and gallic acid on hydrolysis. gallic acid on hydrolysis. Many commercial Many commercial samples contain some samples contain some free gallic acid. free gallic acid.

Oak galls: Oak galls: pharmaceutical pharmaceutical source of tanninssource of tannins

* Quebrancho Bark* Quebrancho BarkThe name The name quebrachoquebracho is taken from two is taken from two

Spanish words Spanish words quebrarquebrar and and hachahacha, , meaning "to break the axe." meaning "to break the axe." 

The bark of Quebracho consists of a The bark of Quebracho consists of a thick cork layer, traditionally used as thick cork layer, traditionally used as a a febrifugefebrifuge.  . 

It is also used to relieve It is also used to relieve dyspneadyspnea (difficult or laboured breathing e.g (difficult or laboured breathing e.g from emphysema and asthma).  from emphysema and asthma). 

The bark and especially heartwood are The bark and especially heartwood are used for tanning hides.used for tanning hides.

Tannin IncompatibilitiesTannin Incompatibilities

Clove and cinnamon contain tannins and Clove and cinnamon contain tannins and also other principal therapeutic also other principal therapeutic constituents. constituents.

This may complicate extraction or produce This may complicate extraction or produce imcompatibilities with other drugs.imcompatibilities with other drugs.

E.g. Many alkaloids for example are E.g. Many alkaloids for example are precipitated by tannins.precipitated by tannins.

Tannin ExtractionTannin Extraction

Tannins are extracted using Tannins are extracted using waterwater and and acetoneacetone..

Optimal yields are obtained from Optimal yields are obtained from freshfresh tissues or freeze-dried tissues.tissues or freeze-dried tissues.

Optimal yields are not obtained from dried Optimal yields are not obtained from dried tissues (tannins are irreversibly combined tissues (tannins are irreversibly combined with other polymers)with other polymers)

After eliminating the acetone (distillation), After eliminating the acetone (distillation), the pigments and lipids are removed from the pigments and lipids are removed from the aqueous solution by a solvent the aqueous solution by a solvent extraction.extraction.

Ethyl acetateEthyl acetate extraction of the aqueous extraction of the aqueous solution separates the solution separates the dimeric dimeric proanthrocyanidinsproanthrocyanidins and most and most gallotanninsgallotannins..

Polymeric proanthrocyanidinsPolymeric proanthrocyanidins and and high high molecular weight gallotanninsmolecular weight gallotannins remain in remain in the aqueous phase.the aqueous phase.

To obtain pure To obtain pure compounds, the compounds, the appropriate appropriate chromatographic chromatographic techniques are used techniques are used (most often one of the (most often one of the gel filtrations)gel filtrations)

Followed by reverse-Followed by reverse-phase phase chromatography (in chromatography (in water and alcohol, or water and alcohol, or water, alcohol and water, alcohol and acetone mixures)acetone mixures)

Medicinal Properties of TanninsMedicinal Properties of Tannins

Therapeutic/medicinal activities result due Therapeutic/medicinal activities result due to the to the astringencyastringency properties. properties.

Tannin containing herbs (drugs) will Tannin containing herbs (drugs) will precipitate proteins.precipitate proteins.

Externally: waterproof the external layers Externally: waterproof the external layers of the skin and mucosa: of the skin and mucosa: ProtectProtect underlying layers.underlying layers.

VasoconstrictorVasoconstrictor effects – on small effects – on small superficial vessels superficial vessels

Medicinal Properties of TanninsMedicinal Properties of Tannins

Limits fluid lossLimits fluid loss – enhance tissue – enhance tissue regeneration in superficial wounds and regeneration in superficial wounds and burnsburns

Internally: Internally: Anti-diarrhoealAnti-diarrhoealAnti-septicAnti-septic effects (anti-bacterial/anti- effects (anti-bacterial/anti-

fungal) fungal) used to Rx infectious used to Rx infectious diarrhoeas and dermatitis.diarrhoeas and dermatitis.

Anti-oxidant Activity of TanninsAnti-oxidant Activity of TanninsHydrolysable tanninsHydrolysable tannins (more so than (more so than

condensed tannins) are condensed tannins) are free-radical free-radical scavengers.scavengers.

Inhibit Inhibit superoxide ionsuperoxide ion formation. formation.Some Some inhibit lipoxygenaseinhibit lipoxygenaseThey do not inhibit cyclo-oxygenase.They do not inhibit cyclo-oxygenase.

Anti-oxidant flavonols and Anti-oxidant flavonols and proanthrocyanidins from grape juice and proanthrocyanidins from grape juice and wine are widely considered to be the main wine are widely considered to be the main principles responsible for the preventative principles responsible for the preventative effect of CVD.effect of CVD.

Enzymatic Inhibition ActionEnzymatic Inhibition Action

Tannins may act as enzyme inhibitors.Tannins may act as enzyme inhibitors.

They block They block 5-lipoxygenase5-lipoxygenase inhibit inhibit angiotensin converting enzymeangiotensin converting enzyme hyaluronidasehyaluronidase activation activation glucosyltransferasesglucosyltransferases (of microorganisms (of microorganisms

involved in cavity formation).involved in cavity formation).

New (Hydrolysable) Tannin New (Hydrolysable) Tannin PotentialPotential

Tannins, including gallo and ellagic Tannins, including gallo and ellagic acid (epigallitannins), are inhibitors acid (epigallitannins), are inhibitors of HIV replication.of HIV replication.

1,3,4-Tri-O-galloylquinic acid 1,3,4-Tri-O-galloylquinic acid 3,5-di-O-galloyl-shikimic acid, 3,5-di-O-galloyl-shikimic acid, 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylshikimic acid 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylshikimic acid punicalin punicalin PunicalaginPunicalagin

inhibited HIV replication in infected inhibited HIV replication in infected H9 lymphocytes with little H9 lymphocytes with little cytotoxicity. cytotoxicity.

Two compounds, Two compounds, punicalinpunicalin and and punicacortein C,punicacortein C, inhibited purified inhibited purified HIV reverse Transcriptase.HIV reverse Transcriptase.

TANNIN CONTAINING HERBSTANNIN CONTAINING HERBS

Turkish GallsTurkish Galls

Definition:Definition: Turkish galls Turkish galls (Turkey galls, Galla): Are (Turkey galls, Galla): Are vegetable growths formed vegetable growths formed on the young twigs of the on the young twigs of the dyer’s oak, dyer’s oak, Quercus Quercus infectoriainfectoria (Fagaceae). (Fagaceae). They result from the They result from the decomposition of the decomposition of the eggs of the gall-wasp eggs of the gall-wasp Adleria gallaetinctoriae.Adleria gallaetinctoriae.

If the galls are not collected If the galls are not collected

and dried, the mature and dried, the mature insect bores out of the insect bores out of the gall and escapes. gall and escapes.

Turkish Galls: CollectionTurkish Galls: Collection

Galls are collected by peasants of Turkey Galls are collected by peasants of Turkey and Syria.and Syria.

After collection they are graded according to After collection they are graded according to colour into 3 grades: blue, green and colour into 3 grades: blue, green and white. These are then found on the white. These are then found on the London Market.London Market.

Colour changes occur due to enzymatic Colour changes occur due to enzymatic secretions of insect.secretions of insect.

Turkish GallsTurkish Galls

History:History: Ancient Ancient writers recorded the writers recorded the use of an infusion to use of an infusion to test for sulphate of test for sulphate of iron, possibly the iron, possibly the earliest mention of an earliest mention of an attempt to detect attempt to detect adulteration by adulteration by chemical means.chemical means.

Turkish Galls – Turkish Galls – Uses & Allied DrugsUses & Allied Drugs

UsesUses Used as a source of Used as a source of

tannic acid.tannic acid. Tannic acid is used as Tannic acid is used as

an astringent and an astringent and styptic.styptic.

Used for tanning and Used for tanning and dyeing.dyeing.

Ink manufacturing.Ink manufacturing.

Allied DrugsAllied Drugs Chinese and Chinese and

Japanese GallsJapanese Galls

Hungarian GallsHungarian Galls

Turkish galls - ConstituentsTurkish galls - Constituents 50 – 70% tannin – gallotannic 50 – 70% tannin – gallotannic

acid.acid. Tannic acid: Tannic acid: hydrolysablehydrolysable tannin tannin

(consisting of (consisting of gallicgallic acidacid and and glucoseglucose).).

Gallic acidGallic acid Ellagic acidEllagic acid SitosterolSitosterol Starch Starch Calcium oxalateCalcium oxalate Syringic acid (CNS-active Syringic acid (CNS-active

component)component)

HamamelisHamamelis Leaf Leaf

Definition:Definition: Witch Witch hazel leaves consists hazel leaves consists of the dried leaves of of the dried leaves of Hamamelis virginiana,Hamamelis virginiana, Hamamelidaceae). Hamamelidaceae).

It should contain no It should contain no less than less than 30% 30% tannins.tannins.

HamamelisHamamelis Flowers Flowers

Witch hazel leaves – Witch hazel leaves – HamamelisHamamelis Constituents Constituents

GallitanninsGallitanninsEllagitanninsEllagitanninsFree gallic acidFree gallic acidProanthrocyanidinsProanthrocyanidinsBitter principlesBitter principlesVolatile oilVolatile oil

HamamelisHamamelis - Uses - Uses

AstringentAstringent HaemostaticHaemostatic

(Both due to tannins)(Both due to tannins)

Hawthorn – Hawthorn – Crataegus monogynaCrataegus monogyna

Definition:Definition: Hawthorn Hawthorn consists of the leaves, consists of the leaves, flowers and fruits of flowers and fruits of Crataegus monogynaCrataegus monogyna, , (Rosaceae).(Rosaceae).

Crataegus monogynaCrataegus monogyna - - ConstituentsConstituents

ProcyanidinsProcyanidinsFlavonoidsFlavonoidsHyperosideHyperosideVitexin rhamnosideVitexin rhamnoside

CrataegusCrataegus – Uses and Allied Drugs – Uses and Allied Drugs

UsesUses Used as a mild cardiac Used as a mild cardiac

tonic, especially tonic, especially elderly patients.elderly patients.

Has no toxic effects Has no toxic effects (such as (such as DigitalisDigitalis, , ConvallariaConvallaria, and , and StrophanthusStrophanthus).).

Allied DrugsAllied Drugs Other Other CrataegusCrataegus

species.species.

CatechuCatechu Definition:Definition: Gambir or Gambir or

pale catechu is a dried pale catechu is a dried aqueous extract prepared aqueous extract prepared from the leaves and from the leaves and young twigs of a climbing young twigs of a climbing shrub, shrub, Uncaria gambirUncaria gambir (Rubiaceae). (Rubiaceae).

It should be carefully It should be carefully distinguished from black distinguished from black catechu or cutch. The catechu or cutch. The plant is Native to plant is Native to Malaysia and Indonesia.Malaysia and Indonesia.

Catechu: UsesCatechu: Uses

Uses in medicine as Uses in medicine as an astringent.an astringent.

Catechu: ConstituentsCatechu: Constituents

CatechinsCatechinsCatechutannic acidCatechutannic acidCatechu redCatechu redQuercetinQuercetinGambir-florescinGambir-florescin

Catechu: Allied DrugsCatechu: Allied Drugs

Cutch or black Cutch or black catechucatechu

Kino’sKino’s

Kino:Kino: applies to a applies to a number of dried juices, number of dried juices, rich in rich in phlobatanninsphlobatannins. . Were formally used for Were formally used for their astringent their astringent properties: diarrhoea properties: diarrhoea (e.g. lozenges)(e.g. lozenges)

Include eucalyptus kino Include eucalyptus kino or red gum from or red gum from Eucalyptus rostrata.Eucalyptus rostrata.

Pomegranate RindPomegranate Rind

Definition:Definition: Pomegranate Pomegranate consists of the fruit consists of the fruit pericarp, or the stem pericarp, or the stem and bark of and bark of Punica Punica granatum.granatum.

Punica granatumPunica granatum - Punicaceae - Punicaceae

History: Mentioned History: Mentioned in Bible and Quran.in Bible and Quran.

Used as an Ancient Used as an Ancient Medicine (Indian and Medicine (Indian and Arab physicians).Arab physicians).

Pomegranate: Actions & UsesPomegranate: Actions & Uses Therapeutic category:Therapeutic category:

Anti-diarrhoeal, anti-Anti-diarrhoeal, anti-helminthic.helminthic.

Uses:Uses: Bark is traditionally Bark is traditionally used to treat worms.used to treat worms.

Dried fruit rind or fruit Dried fruit rind or fruit pulp is used to treat pulp is used to treat diarrhoea. diarrhoea.

A tea is normally made A tea is normally made with honey (bitter taste).with honey (bitter taste).

Active Constituents: Active Constituents: PunicaPunica

Fruit: Fruit: Gallo/ellagitanninsGallo/ellagitannins Mainly Mainly punicalinpunicalin and and

punicalaginpunicalagin

Alkaloids are present Alkaloids are present in the bark, leaves in the bark, leaves and young fruit. (no and young fruit. (no alkaloids are present alkaloids are present in the rind).in the rind).

Punica granatumPunica granatum: Pomegranate: Pomegranate Pharmacological Effects:Pharmacological Effects: Anti-diarrhoeal effect Anti-diarrhoeal effect

TanninsTannins

Anti-helminthic effect Anti-helminthic effect alkaloidsalkaloids

They interact strongly with They interact strongly with the nicotinic Acetylcholine the nicotinic Acetylcholine receptors: cause receptors: cause tapeworms to lose their tapeworms to lose their grip, and are expelled grip, and are expelled from the body. from the body.

NOTE:NOTE: Alkaloids are toxic Alkaloids are toxic and self medication may and self medication may be dangerous.be dangerous.

Punica granatum Punica granatum and Alzheimer’sand Alzheimer’s

Research conducted on Research conducted on mice that were given mice that were given pomegranate juice, pomegranate juice, experienced 50% less experienced 50% less degeneration of brain degeneration of brain cells, compared to their cells, compared to their counterparts, who drank counterparts, who drank only sweetened water. only sweetened water.

This indicates that This indicates that pomegranate juice may pomegranate juice may help cut risk of help cut risk of Alzheimer’s disease.Alzheimer’s disease.

Punica granatum & Punica granatum & CV HealthCV Health Tests showed that Tests showed that

pomegranate juice pomegranate juice reduced the effects reduced the effects of stress on human of stress on human blood vessel cells by blood vessel cells by stimulating the stimulating the production of nitric production of nitric oxide. This chemical oxide. This chemical is thought to help is thought to help keep arteries open keep arteries open and keep blood and keep blood flowing. flowing.

Additional research Additional research shows pomegranate shows pomegranate juice can both juice can both reverse and prevent reverse and prevent atherosclerosis.atherosclerosis.

Researchers say the Researchers say the beneficial effects of beneficial effects of pomegranate juice pomegranate juice on hardening of the on hardening of the arteries are likely arteries are likely largely due to its largely due to its high antioxidant high antioxidant content. The study content. The study showed that the showed that the antioxidant level in antioxidant level in pomegranate juice pomegranate juice was higher than that was higher than that found in other fruit found in other fruit juices, including juices, including blueberry, cranberry, blueberry, cranberry, orange, and even orange, and even red wine. red wine.

Punica granatumPunica granatum & Cancer & Cancer Drinking 8 ounces of Drinking 8 ounces of

pomegranate juice daily can pomegranate juice daily can suppress prostate cancer suppress prostate cancer activity in men with recurrent activity in men with recurrent prostate cancer, according to a prostate cancer, according to a study presented at the annual study presented at the annual meeting of the American meeting of the American Urological Association in San Urological Association in San Antonio. Antonio.

A recent study at the A recent study at the University of Wisconsin–University of Wisconsin–Madison using a mouse model Madison using a mouse model shows that consuming shows that consuming pomegranates could pomegranates could potentially help reduce the potentially help reduce the growth and spread of lung growth and spread of lung cancer cells or even prevent cancer cells or even prevent lung cancer from developing. lung cancer from developing.

Camellia sinensis/Thea sinensisCamellia sinensis/Thea sinensis Polyphenols Polyphenols strong strong

anti-oxidant effect.anti-oxidant effect. Leaves: cancer Leaves: cancer

preventative (Japan).preventative (Japan). Clinical trials indicate that Clinical trials indicate that

green tea helps to green tea helps to promote weight loss and promote weight loss and treat hepatitis.treat hepatitis.

May prevent tooth decay.May prevent tooth decay. Trials show a hypotensive Trials show a hypotensive

effect.effect.

NB: Green-tea: caffeine NB: Green-tea: caffeine needed for effects.needed for effects.